City of Asheville Issues a System Wide Boil Water Notice
Updated on: Fri Oct 18th, 2024 at 04:00 PM
The City of Asheville Water Resources Department has issued a Boil Water Notice for all City of Asheville water customers due to loss of pressure in distribution system pipes and levels of turbidity (particles) in the water.
A Boil Water Notice means there is contamination due to impacts from Hurricane Helene including the potential for untreated water in the distribution system from pipe breaks and levels of turbidity that exceed Safe Drinking Water Act standards initially used to restore water pressure. Your water may look cloudy and/or have a chlorine odor.
It is REQUIRED for customers to vigorously boil tap water for 1 minute before consuming it. Once laboratory testing of the system confirms the possibility of risk is not present, customers will receive notification that the boil water notice has been lifted via the same method you received this notice.
FAQ
Where can customers go to get information?
For further information, please call 828-251-1122, or visit the City of Asheville’s Water Services Recovery page.
What can I use the water for?
Water can be used for flushing toilets and laundry. Water can be used for bathing, although water that has been boiled and cooled or otherwise purified is recommended for those with open wounds and those who are immunocompromised. During bathing, please monitor small children to ensure they do not accidentally drink the water. Infants can be given sponge baths.
Water can also be used for basic hygiene like washing hands, but not for home or commercial food preparation.
How should I approach washing dishes?
If possible, use disposable plates, cups, bowls, and flatware.
Using a dishwasher
If your dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle or reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 170°F (76°C), you can use it. Check your dishwasher’s manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm.
Hand-washing dishes
Wash and rinse dishes using hot water, then soak them in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of warm water for at least one minute. Allow the dishes to air dry completely before using them again.
What to do before water service returns?
- Flip off the breaker to your water heater.
- Turn off water to your water heater.
- Turn off hot water under your sinks.
- Remove aerator (it typically unscrews) on faucets.
- Turn off the ice maker.
- Turn off water to your whole house filter, if you have one.
What to do when your water service returns?
- Flush your home plumbing by running the bathtub’s cold water faucet.
- Your water heater may be turned back on once your home’s plumbing has been flushed.
It’s safe to flush your toilet after completing steps 1 and 2. Water Resources thanks our customers for your patience while we work to repair out catastrophically damaged water system.
What should I do once the notice is lifted?
Customers are advised to wait 2-3 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122.
Water Quality
View the 2023 Water Quality Report, which is also available translated into Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Learn more about the City of Asheville’s source, treatment steps, and water quality.
A note about Manganese:
Manganese is naturally present in the reservoirs that serve Asheville and Buncombe County. Manganese is an essential nutrient; it is recommended to receive 2 to 5 mg/day for adults and 0.3 to 0.6 mg/day for infants. A US EPA reviewed study has shown that manganese levels below 0.17 mg/L in drinking water showed no-adverse-health-effect-level (NOAEL). During normal operation, the manganese level of City of Asheville water stays well below our Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) of 0.05 mg/L. During discolored water events, manganese levels could temporarily exceed the 0.17 mg/L NOAEL. The US EPA Lifetime Health Advisory (HA) for manganese is 0.3 mg/L (for a 22 pound child consuming 1 Liter of water per day, the 1 day & 10 day Health Advisory is 1.0 mg/L). However, it is advised that for infants younger than 6 months, the lifetime HA of 0.3 mg/L be used even for an acute exposure of 10 days.
View laboratory results for discolored water calls and special samples
December 2022- January 2023 outage event
Read frequently asked questions regarding discolored water.
See guidelines for customers who experience discolored water.
Advisories and Outages
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Boil Water Advisories and Notices.
Notice: While the information below is frequently refreshed, it may not always be updated in real time. To be notified immediately of advisories or outages in your area, register with AVL Alert!
Scheduled Water Interruption Bee Tree road on November, 7th, 2024 @ 9 o'clock am through 5 o'clock pm
Posted on: Wed Nov 6th, 2024 at 01:32 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Notification of a Scheduled Water Interruption that will occur at Bee Tree Rd on Thursday, November, 7th, 2024. In the East District, the affected areas are from 618 Bee Tree road to Summer Haven road. This shutdown is scheduled for Thursday, November 7th, 2024 from 9 o'clock am to 5 o'clock pm. The City of Asheville has scheduled the following water interruption for water valve, hydrant replacements, general system maintenance or connection of new water infrastructure by a contractor into the City of Asheville water system. Surrounding areas may experience no water to low pressure during this interruption. When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Properties in the affected areas are receiving this notification by telephone via the City of Asheville automated system. Residents may register home or business numbers, cell phone numbers, and toll free numbers by clicking on the AVL Alert Sign Up link AVL Alert Signup For more information please contact the Distribution Operations office at 259-5975 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Issued By: [name] Number Affected [#]
There have been no Boil Water Advisory notifications in the last 14 days.
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ 173 Governors View Road and surrounding areas on November 7, 2024 @ 6:18 PM
Posted on: Thu Nov 7th, 2024 at 06:29 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on November 7, 2024 at 6:18 PM This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, 173 Governors View Road and surrounding areas. When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Lift of Potential No Water/ Low Pressure/ Discolored Water [LOCATION] [DATE] @ [TIME]51 Bassett Road and surrounding areas on November 6, 2024 @ 8:16 PM
Posted on: Wed Nov 6th, 2024 at 08:40 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification that the water distribution system work occurring on November 6, 2024 is complete at 51 Bassett Road . If you are still experiencing low pressure or no water please call customer service at 828-251-1122. The distribution lines have been flushed, but should discolored water or air (cloudy or milky) in the lines persist, customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. To clear discolored water or air from your line wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank You City of Asheville Water Resources Department
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ 51 Bassett Road and surrounding areas on November 6, 2024 @ 5:00 PM
Posted on: Wed Nov 6th, 2024 at 05:10 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on November 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, 51 Bassett Road and surrounding areas. When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Lift of Potential No Water/ Low Pressure/ Discolored Water 78 Oak Hill Road on November 5, 2024] @ 10:43 PM
Posted on: Tue Nov 5th, 2024 at 10:46 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification that the water distribution system work occurring on November 5, 2024 is complete at 78 Oak Hill Road. If you are still experiencing low pressure or no water please call customer service at 828-251-1122. The distribution lines have been flushed, but should discolored water or air (cloudy or milky) in the lines persist, customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. To clear discolored water or air from your line wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank You City of Asheville Water Resources Department
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ 78 Oak Hill Rd on November 5, 2024 @ 12:30 PM
Posted on: Tue Nov 5th, 2024 at 12:36 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on November 5, 2024 at 12:30 PM. This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, 78 Oak Hill Road When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ East Asheville on November 5, 2024 @ 7:13 AM
Posted on: Tue Nov 5th, 2024 at 07:23 AM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on November 5, 2024 at 7:13 AM This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, East Asheville. When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Lift of Potential No Water/ Low Pressure/ Discolored Water London Road November 3, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Posted on: Mon Nov 4th, 2024 at 07:05 AM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification that the water distribution system work occurring on November 3, 2024 is complete at London Road. If you are still experiencing low pressure or no water please call customer service at 828-251-1122. The distribution lines have been flushed, but should discolored water or air (cloudy or milky) in the lines persist, customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. To clear discolored water or air from your line wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank You City of Asheville Water Resources Department Submitted By: D.L.A
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ London Rd 11/3/24 8:45 AM
Posted on: Sun Nov 3rd, 2024 at 08:47 AM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on Sunday November 3, 2024. This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, 22 London Road to Belvedere Road. When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Lift of Potential No Water/ Low Pressure/ Discolored Water [583 Old US 70 Highway] [October 31, 2024] @ [2 pm]
Posted on: Thu Oct 31st, 2024 at 02:15 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification that the water distribution system work occurring on [October 31, 2024] is complete at [583 Old US 70 Highway]. If you are still experiencing low pressure or no water please call customer service at 828-251-1122. The distribution lines have been flushed, but should discolored water or air (cloudy or milky) in the lines persist, customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. To clear discolored water or air from your line wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank You City of Asheville Water Resources Department
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ [583 Old US 70 Highway] on [October 31, 2024] @ [12:30 pm]
Posted on: Thu Oct 31st, 2024 at 12:03 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on [October 31, 2024 12:30 pm] This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, [583 Old US 70 Highway] When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Lift of Potential No Water/ Low Pressure/ Discolored Water 26 Morris Street October 30, 2024 @ 1:06 PM
Posted on: Wed Oct 30th, 2024 at 01:08 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification that the water distribution system work occurring on October 30, 2024 is complete at 26 Morris St. If you are still experiencing low pressure or no water please call customer service at 828-251-1122. The distribution lines have been flushed, but should discolored water or air (cloudy or milky) in the lines persist, customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. To clear discolored water or air from your line wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank You City of Asheville Water Resources Department
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ 26 Morris Street on October 30, 2024 @ 8:51 AM.
Posted on: Wed Oct 30th, 2024 at 08:55 AM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on October 30, 2024 at 8:51 AM. This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, 26 Morris Street. When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Lift of Potential No Water/ Low Pressure/ Discolored Water [208 Charlotte Highway] [October 29, 2024] @ [3 pm]
Posted on: Tue Oct 29th, 2024 at 03:11 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification that the water distribution system work occurring on [October 29, 2024] is complete at [208 Charlotte Highway]. If you are still experiencing low pressure or no water please call customer service at 828-251-1122. The distribution lines have been flushed, but should discolored water or air (cloudy or milky) in the lines persist, customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. To clear discolored water or air from your line wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank You City of Asheville Water Resources Department
Lift of Potential No Water/ Low Pressure/ Discolored Water [2137 Cane Creek Road] [October 29, 2024] @ [3 pm]
Posted on: Tue Oct 29th, 2024 at 03:09 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification that the water distribution system work occurring on [October 29, 2024] is complete at [2137 Cane Creek Road]. If you are still experiencing low pressure or no water please call customer service at 828-251-1122. The distribution lines have been flushed, but should discolored water or air (cloudy or milky) in the lines persist, customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. To clear discolored water or air from your line wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank You City of Asheville Water Resources Department
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ [2137 Cane Creek Road] on [October 29, 2024] @ [1 pm]
Posted on: Tue Oct 29th, 2024 at 12:16 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on [October 29, 2024 1 pm] This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, [2137 Cane Creek Road] When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ [208 Charlotte Highway] on [October 29, 2024] @ [12:30 pm]
Posted on: Tue Oct 29th, 2024 at 12:13 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on [October 29, 2024 12:30 pm] This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, [208 Charlotte Highway] When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Lift of Potential No Water/ Low Pressure/ Discolored Water [1865 Hendersonville Road] [October 29, 2024] @ [11 am]
Posted on: Tue Oct 29th, 2024 at 11:08 AM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification that the water distribution system work occurring on [October 29, 2024] is complete at [1865 Hendersonville Road]. If you are still experiencing low pressure or no water please call customer service at 828-251-1122. The distribution lines have been flushed, but should discolored water or air (cloudy or milky) in the lines persist, customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. To clear discolored water or air from your line wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank You City of Asheville Water Resources Department
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ [1865 Hendersonville Road] on [October 29, 2024] @ [9 am]
Posted on: Tue Oct 29th, 2024 at 08:27 AM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on [October 29, 2024 9 am] This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, [1865 Hendersonville Road] When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
Potential Low Pressure/No Water/ Discolored Water @ Reed Street and St. Paul Street on October 26, 2024 @ 5:00 PM
Posted on: Sat Oct 26th, 2024 at 05:26 PM
This is a City of Asheville Water Department notification for water distribution work occurring on October 26, 2024 @ 5:00 PM This is also to notify customers that they may experience low to no water pressure and discolored water. The affected areas are, Reed Street from Irwin Street to Fielding Street and Saint Paul Street from Reed Street to Summit Street, and Douglas Place. When the work is completed, there may be some discolored water or air in the lines. Customers are advised to wait until the water is clear before using it. If you experience either of these, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours, then flush only the cold water lines for 10-15 minutes. If discolored water or air is still present, please call customer service at 828-251-1122. Thank you.
There have been no Boil Water Notice notifications in the last 14 days.
To view older advisories or outages, please visit the Boil Water Advisory Historical Information document
This document is for a Boil Water Advisory. For a Boil Water Notice, the Buncombe County Health Department may have additional requirements. View Buncombe County Health Department’s information on Boil Water Advisories for the Food Service Industry.
Contact Information
For information about any boil advisory or outage, you may contact:
Customer Services
828-251-1122
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Water Maintenance
828-259-5975
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday